Oberyn is the brother of the late Elia Martell, who lost her life at the hands of the Lannister knight Ser Gregor Clegane during Mad King Aerys' overthrow. Oberyn will come to King's Landing next season with, natch, revenge on the brain.

"The Red Viper is sexy and charming, yet believably dangerous; intensely likable, yet driven by hate. The boys love him, the girls love him, and he loves them all back. Unless your last name is Lannister," showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss tell the magazine. "We found a fellow who can handle the job description and make it seem effortless. He wasn't easy to find and he won't be easy to stop."

Pascal is best known for his recurring roles on The Good Wife, Red Widow and, currently, Graceland as Juan Badillo. He will also pop up on the new season of Homelandas a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.